Spotlight Awards Comes to Sherman Theater

The Sherman Theater announces the creation of the Spotlight Awards. The 2008 Sherman Theater Spotlight Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA. The initial awards ceremony will recognize and reward exceptional accomplishments in the production and performance of musical theater in the local high schools of Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Carbon Counties of Pennsylvania.

All high schools in the targeted area have been invited to be a part of the magic of the 2008 Spotlight Awards. A number of schools have already expressed their enthusiasm for this project and in the coming weeks the Sherman will be finalizing each school’s involvement and providing a full list of participating schools.

“The Sherman Theater has grown steadily over the last three years, receiving numerous awards and recognition both as a leader in the arts and for its dedication to the community,” said Sherman Theater Executive director Richard Berkowitz. “The youth of our communities are our future. Through this program we hope to encourage and reward the students who choose the arts as their vehicle of expression. These young performers will shape our community’s future and elevate the quality of life for many years to come.”

The Sherman Theater Spotlight awards ceremony is fashioned after Broadway’s Tony Awards®, and was developed with assistance from the Papermill Playhouse, Milburn NJ and the State Theatre, Easton PA. The Spotlight awards corps of evaluators (comprised of theatre professionals, performing artists and designers, and theatre arts educators, among others) will view each participating school’s performances and will make nominations and provide awards for categories such as Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical, Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Outstanding Scenic Achievement, Outstanding Lighting Achievement, Outstanding Costuming Achievement, Outstanding Hair & Make-up Achievement just to name a few.

The nominees will be announced at a press conference in May. A live production will take place on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Sherman Theater. The results show is likely to be televised locally and will provide an excellent opportunity to further showcase the talents of these high school students.

For additional information or to find out how you can be a part of this exciting program contact Spotlight Awards Coordinator Richard W. Berkowitz at 570-420-2808.